Bracket for a spring sash counterbalance

ABSTRACT

A counterbalance for a window sash being of self-coiling spring type and adapted for alternative disposition wherein the free end of the spring ribbon may be secured to the sash and the coil disposed adjacent the window frame header; or with the free end of the spring ribbon secured to the header and the coil carried upon the window sash. A spring support is provided for either condition of use with the same having guide means for retaining the coil against displacement and an opening for threading of the extended portion of the ribbon therethrough; the coil being without a supporting spool of related to load-receiving surfaces.

United States Patent [1 1 Foster Mar. 11, 1975 BRACKET FOR A SPRING SASH COUNTERBALANCE [76] Inventor: Edwin E. Foster, 1801 Camp Craft Rd., Austin, Tex. 78767 [22] Filed: Sept. 10, 1973 211 App]. No.: 395,903

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 283,400, Aug. 24, 1972, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. 16/197 [51] Int. Cl E05d 13/10 [58] Field of Search 248/300; 16/193, 197

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,225,525 5/1917 Sweet 248/300 X 2,409,l52 10/1946 Rundell. 248/300 X 3,609,796. 10/1971 Skolnik l6/l97 Primary Examiner-Roy D. Frazier Assistant Examiner-William E. Lyddane Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Ralph W. Kalish [57] ABSTRACT A counterbalance for a window sash being of selfcoiling spring type and adapted for alternative disposition wherein the free end of the spring ribbon may be secured to the sash and the coil disposed adjacent the window frame header; or with the free end of the spring ribbon secured to the header and the coil carried upon the window sash. A spring support is provided for either condition of use with the same having guide means for retaining the coil against displacement and an opening for threading of the extended portion of the ribbon therethrough; the coil being without a supporting spool of related to load-receiving surfaces.

2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures BRACKET FOR A SPRING SASH COUNTERBALANCE This is a division of application Ser. No. 283,400, filed Aug. 24, 1972, now US. Pat. No. 3,820,193.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to window construction and, more particularly, to spring counterbalances therefor. Heretofore, self-coiling springs have been utilized for counterbalancing window sashes, but all such prior efforts have required either a rotatably mounted spool, drum or the like for supporting the spring coil, or have required especially provided compartments or housings for the coils to snugly accept same. Thus, as shown in US. Pat. No. 3,452,278 in addition to a spool, a coil-conforming housing is used to assist in accepting the spring load. In US. Pat. Nos. 3,452,480 and 2,609,193 compatibly sized chambers or compartments are formed in the window jambs or window sash for accommodating the particular size spring involved.

In all such instances, in addition to the added costs of providing such compartments, housings, and the like, installation and replacement caused timeconsuming difficulties.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spring sash counterbalance of the self-coiling type having means for disposition either upon the header of the window frame or upon the movable sash in fully accessible, open location and which does not require especially constructed window frames and/or sashes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring sash counterbalance of the character stated incorporating a novel spring support for facile affixation to the window frame or window sash without requiring modification of the latter and, thus, rendering said counterbalance useful with existing window constructions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spring sash counterbalance of the character stated incorporating a spring support which may be most economically produced, being amenable to high volume, low cost production, as by metal stamping or plastic molding, and which is durable and reliable in usage.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a spring sash counterbalance of the character stated incorporating a spring support which is designed for interengaging the coil of the related spring by means of the inherent self-coiling bias of such spring so that spools, drums, or the like for supporting said spring are eliminated.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a spring sash counterbalance incorporating a spring support which is dimensioned for accommodating spring ribbons of varying thickness and length so that the same is extremely versatile in usage.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring sash counterbalance of the character stated incorporating a spring support which, by virtue of its construction, inherently serves as a wiper for the contacting surface of the spring to thereby prevent dirt, foreign matter and the like, from accummulating between the convolutions of the spring coil.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window provided with a spring sash counterbalance constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 202 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spring support.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a window provided with another form of the spring sash counterbalance constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another form of the spring support.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENTS Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention. A generally designates a window, which may be made of any suitably material, such as wood, aluminum, or the like, and which comprises a window frame having jambs 1,1, a header 2, and a sill 3; there being carried in said frame a stationery upper sash 4 and a lower, sash 5 adapted for vertical reciprocal slideable movement. For illustration only, window A is shown of customary character, but as will be evident hereinbelow the present invention is useful with other types of windows such as those adapted for swingable movement of the upper and/or lower sash for cleaning and like purposes.

Each side jamb 1,1' integrally incorporates a slideway, indicated generally 6, being of channel shape and having rearward and forward flanges 7,8, respectively, and an intervening web 9; said jamb channels thus opening inwardly toward the adjacent side of sash 5.

Lower window sash 5 comprises vertically presented, parallel side components 10,10 and upper and lower transverse members 11,12, respectively, which elements coact in the usual manner for supporting a glass pane 13. Each side component 10,10 is of channel form in cross section in its outer lateral portions having front and back flanges 14,15, respectively, and a web 16 therebetween, said channels opening outwardly toward the slideway 6 of the proximate jamb 1,1', as the case may be, and with said flanges 14,15 being receivable within the same for travel of sash 5 therein.

Secured, as by a screw 17, or the like, to the under, or downwardly directed, face 18 of header 2 at each end portion thereof, immediately inwardly of the adjacentjamb 1,1' and, hence, in the opposite upper corner portions of window A, is a spring support or mounting member 19 being integrally formed, as by stamping, and comprising a plate or web portion 20, in surface abutment against header underface 18; there being a tongue and a hook 21,22, respectively, struckfrom opposite end portions of said plate 20 for extension upwardly through openings 23,23, respectively, in underface 18 conducing to the stable maintenance of spring support 19 in secured position, being inhibitive of undesired relative movement thereof. It will be seen that plate 20 is engaged to header 2 by initial projection of hook 22 through opening 23' and with tongue 21 serving as a guide. Hook 22, accordingly, serves as a major point of securement for spring support 19. Spring support 19 also includes an outer or jamb-proximate portion 25 which is planarwise angulated with respect to plate portion 20, inclining downwardly and outwardly therefrom. Said angulated portion 25 comprehend an opening 26 developed by the upward turning of hook 22 and with the outer limit of such opening 26 being established by the inner margin of a transverse bar 27,- the outer margin of which constitutes the base of a relatively shallow, endwise opening recess 28; there being short parallel lateral extensions 29,29 providing the side limits of said recess 20. The widths of opening 26 and recess 28 are preferably the same and are determined by the width of spring ribbon to be accommodated. The widths of said opening 26 and recess 28 will correspond to the width of slideway 6 of the adjacent jamb 1,1 through which the spring ribbon to be described will be lead. It is important that the said widths be but slightly greater than the width of the spring so that the latter is prevented from lateral shifting.

Threaded through opening 26 from its jamb-remote side is the outer or free end 30 of the coil 31 ofa spring counterbalance 32 of the self-coiling type; which free end 30 is lead downwardly within the slideway 6 of the adjacent jamb 1,1 and at its extremity is fixed, as by a screw 33, upon the upwardly directed surface of upper transverse member 11 of lower sash said point of securement being, preferably, located slightly laterally inwardly of the outer portion of sash 5, as in substantial vertical alignment with coil 31 of spring 32.

It will thus be seen that the coil 31 projects into recess 28 with extensions 29,29 serving as guides for restraining coil 31 against any twisting or shifting and with spring 32 being thus effectively suspended from bar 27 by virtue of the extension of its unwound portion thereover. Bar 27 supports the entire load of spring 32, with its inner edge a providing the load bearing edge and with the same being relieved, or recessed, at each of its ends, as at 27 so that the resistance normally offered by the customary sharp edge portions of the spring ribbon is markedly reduced. Edge a serves as well as a wiper for removing foreign matter that might tend to adhere to the contacting face of the spring ribbon thereby preventing accumulations of dirt, other foreign matter, and the like which would cause coil 31 to be undesirably diametrally enhanced so that said coil 31 is maintained in a substantially clean state, promoting tight winding thereof, assuring of maximum force and longevity of usage.

As indicated above, the widths of opening 26 and recess 28 are determined for accepting self-coiling springs of corresponding width, however, the other dimension of said openings is adequate to allow accommodation of springs of varying ribbon thickness or of varying length; eliminating the necessity of changing support 19 for each particular thickness or length of spring ribbon. Counterbalance spring 32 may be of any suitable self-coiling type but may well, preferably, be of the character of the spring set forth in US. Pat. No. 2,609,191.

In view of the above, it is to be observed that spring 32 is biased into coil condition and provides a constant force counterbalance for window sash 5 at all locations of disposition between fully closed condition (as shown in FIG. 1) and open state wherein the same is at its upper limit. Spring support 19 presents a most novel means for mounting spring 32 since by the mere threading of the extended portion thereof through 4 opening 26, said spring 32 is fully suspended from bar 27, and is, as noted above, maintained by extensions 29,29 against unauthorized relative movement so that there is no distortion in the extended, working portion of said spring 32.

If desired, a thin shield or housing as indicated at 34 may be mounted upon header 2 for encasing spring 32. However, it is to be particularly pointed out that said housing 34 is of such relative size as to be beyond contact with spring 32 so that no portion of the spring load is carried by said housing 34, which is nothing other than a dust shield. Said housing 34 may be readily fabricated of thin molded plastic and with its side walls being biased toward each other so as to permit of frictional gripping upon the side edges of support 19. Thus, a mere snapping action is all that is required for placing same in covering relationship to the spring coil 31. There may be also provided, if desired, a slotted sleeve (not shown) as of nylon or like material, to be disposed surroundingly of bar 27 for friction-reduction, although the metallic character of bar 27 is substantially, equally effective. It should be especially observed that spring 32 is devoid of a supporting spool as mounted for rotation upon a shaft or pin as has been the custom with self-coiling spring counterbalances heretofore, with it being further noted that said spring 32 does not require support from the bottom or adjacent wall of a housing, as in the construction shown in US Pat. No. 3,452,478. The self-coiling tendency of spring 32 renders same stable in suspension from support 19 since the coiling bias of the extended portion directed through opening 26 will urge same toward coil 31 and thereby promote relatively tight engagement with bar 27. Therefore, the present invention obviates the heretofore requisite co-ordination between a self-coiling spring balance and its mounting and housing; and by its simplicity permits of a single entity for accommodating springs of varying thickness or length; which uniquely facilitates engagement with the supported spring as well as disengagement therefrom for inspection purposes. Installation is also markedly easy.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, another form of the spring sash balance of the present invention is disclosed and in said Figures like reference numerals will be utilized to indicate elements corresponding to elements shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

Fixed upon the upper portion of each web 16 of lower sash 5 is a spring support 35 which is unitarily formed, as by stamping from metal, and which is of flat character having a plate portion 36 disposed flushwise against the related web 16 and rigidly secured thereto by a screw 37 extending through aligned openings 38,39 in said plate portion 36 and the proximate web 16. Opening 39 is tapped. Support 35 extends upwardly beyond the upper surface of transverse component 11 of sash 5 in such extended portion is provided with a transversely extending slot-like opening 40 and a recess 41 thereabove opening upwardly; there being a transverse bar or section 42 separating said opening 40 and recess 41 with parallel side extensions 43,43 constituting the sides of said recess 41. Opening 40 and recess 41 are dimensioned sidewise for accepting various thicknesses and lengths of ribbons of self-coiling springs, all as in the manner as opening 26 and recess 28 of spring support 19 as described above. It will thus be seen that support 35 is uni-planar and is planarwise parallel to webs l6 and 9.

In usage, the free or extended end 30 of the coil 31 of spring counterbalance 32 is directed through opening 40 from its jamb-remote side and is thence lead upwardly within the proximate slide 26 for securement of its extreme end portion against underface 18, of header 2, as by means of a screw 44. Accordingly, coil 31 will be presented between extensions 43,43 and with the unwound portion abutting against the upper margin as indicated at 45 of opening 40 through the inherent selfcoiling bias of spring 32; which margin serves as the load bearing edge; the latter being relieved at each of its ends as at 45' for resistance reduction with respect to the spring ribbon edge portions. It is to be observed that by use of spring support 35, spring counterbalance 32 may be disposed upon sash 5 for movement therewith and with its free end being anchored against header 2 as contradistinguished from the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 wherein the free end of spring 32 is secured to sash 5 and with coil 31 being maintained adjacent header 2. With the spring disposition shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, a like counterbalancing action is provided as with the relationship shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and described hereinabove. However, with spring 32 being mounted on sash 5, the ribbon is not caused to slide in relation to the window frame.

Also if desired a housing 46 may be mounted upon sash upper transverse member 11 for loosely enclosing spring 32 for dust protection.

From the foregoing it is evident that the spring supports 19, 35 of the present invention permit of facile mounting of a self-coiling counterbalance either within each upper corner of the window frame or upon the opposite ends of the upper transverse member of sash 5. Said supports are most economical in production; quickly and easily installed as by the tightening of a single screw and wherein the mere threading of the unwound length of spring ribbon through the related opening, 26 or 40, as the case may be, is all that is required for assuring stable disposition in operative position and wherein the recess extensions maintain the spring coil 31 against shifting or displacement.

Housing 46 may be of the same character as housing 34 snapping upon the side edges of support 35.

Although supports 19 and 35 may obviously be fabricated from materials other than metal, it has been found in practice that metal constitutes the most reliable material of construction having recognized longevity of usage without diminution in effective coordination with the related spring.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

l. A support member comprising a unitary body of elongate character having first and second end portions, said body having a flat mounting portion adjacent said first end portion for disposition against a mounting surface and extending from said first end portion to a point spaced from said second end portion, said body between said flat mounting portion and said second end portion being planarwise angulated with respect to said mounting portion, said body further having an opening extending transversely thereof adjacent said mounting portion remote from said first end portion, there being an endwise opening recess proximate the said opening and forming the second end portion of said body, the said opening, the said recess, and the said second end portion being contained within said angulated portion of said body, a tongue provided at the extremity of said first end portion, and a hook member provided between said mounting portion and said opening, the major planes of said tongue and said hook members being normal to the planes of said mounting portion.

2. A support member comprising a unitary body of elongate character having first and second end portions, said body having a flat mounting portion adjacent said first end portion for disposition against a mounting surface, a flat plate portion continuous with said mounting portion being planarwise angulated with respect thereto, said body further having an opening extending transversely thereof adjacent said mounting portion remote from said first end portion, there being an endwise opening recess proximate the said opening; the said opening, the said recess and the said second end portion being contained within said fiat plate portion, there being a tongue provided at the extremity of said first end portion and a hook member provided between said mounting portion and said flat plate portion, the major planes of said tongue and said hook members being normal to the plane of said mounting portion. 

1. A support member comprising a unitary body of elongate character having first and second end portions, said body having a flat mounting portion adjacent said first end portion for disposition against a mounting surface and extending from said first end portion to a point spaced from said second end portion, said body between said flat mounting portion and said second end portion being planarwise angulated with respect to said mounting portion, said body further having an opening extending transversely thereof adjacent said mounting portion remote from said first end portion, there being an endwise opening recess proximate the said opening and forming the second end portion of said body, the said opening, the said recess, and the said second end portion being contained within said angulated portion of said body, a tongue provided at the extremity of said first end portion, and a hook member provided between said mounting portion and said opening, the major planes of said tongue and said hook members being normal to the planes of said mounting portion.
 1. A support member comprising a unitary body of elongate character having first and second end portions, said body having a flat mounting portion adjacent said first end portion for disposition against a mounting surface and extending from said first end portion to a point spaced from said second end portion, said body between said flat mounting portion and said second end portion being planarwise angulated with respect to said mounting portion, said body further having an opening extending transversely thereof adjacent said mounting portion remote from said first end portion, there being an endwise opening recess proximate the said opening and forming the second end portion of said body, the said opening, the said recess, and the said second end portion being contained within said angulated portion of said body, a tongue provided at the extremity of said first end portion, and a hook member provided between said mounting portion and said opening, the major planes of said tongue and said hook members being normal to the planes of said mounting portion. 